George Washington: Farmer

Every true American patriot holds the great men who birthed our country in high esteem.  They are, to quote the title of M.E. Bradford’s book, “A Worthy Company” to be sure.  The greatest of them all is undoubtedly the Father of our country, George Washington.  As he once stood literally head and shoulders above the men of his day, so even in this distant day he stands head and shoulders above our contemporary civil leaders as the great model of Christian manhood and godly character.  I’ve recently been reading an old book (that’s the norm for me!) entitled “George Washington: Farmer.”  My real interest in reading the book is to learn more about Washington’s agricultural practices but even in a book dedicated to his agrarian pursuits the discussion of Washington’s character is impossible to avoid.  Here is just an excerpt from that book:  

Benjamin Franklin knew the great men of earth of his time, the princes and kings of blood royal. Near the close of his life he wrote in his will: "My fine crabtree walking-stick with a gold head, curiously wrought in the form of a cap of Liberty, I give to my friend, and the friend of mankind, General Washington. If it was a sceptre, he has merited it, and would become it."

And thus Thackeray, who knew the true from the false, the dross from pure gold: "Which was the most splendid spectacle ever witnessed, the opening feast of Prince George in London or the resignation of Washington? Which is the noble character for ages to admire--yon fribble dancing in lace and spangles, or yonder hero who sheathes his sword after a life of spotless honor, a purity unreproached, a courage indomitable, and a consummate victory? Which of these is the true gentleman? What is it to be a gentleman? Is it to have lofty aims, to lead a pure life, to keep your honor virgin; to have the esteem of your fellow-citizens, and the love of your fireside; to bear good fortune meekly; to suffer evil with constancy; and through evil or good to maintain truth always? Show me the happy man whose life exhibits these qualities, and him will we salute as gentleman, whatever his rank may be; show me the prince who possesses them, and he may be sure of our love and loyalty."

'Tis often distance only that lends enchantment, but it is Washington's proud pre-eminence that he can bear the microscope. Having read thousands of his letters and papers dealing with almost every conceivable subject in the range of human affairs, I yet feel inclined, nay compelled, to bear witness to the greatness of his heart, soul and understanding.  He was human. He had his faults. He made his mistakes. But I would not detract a line from any eulogium of him ever uttered. Words have never yet been penned that do him justice. ¹

Amen… words have never been penned that do him justice.

Christ, not man, is King!

Dale

1)      Paul Leland Haworth, George Washington: Farmer (Indianapolis, IN: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1915), p. 87-9.